Examining the "natural" athlete myth and utilizing the recent literature on cultural/social factors in athleticism, this study through survey research examines the myth of the 'natural' African American athlete. Participants consist of 301 university students from a large, traditionally White, midwest institution. The primary research question is to determine the attitudes of college students in terms of how they perceive the success of the African American athlete in certain sports. The purpose is to assess participants' perceptions of the African American athlete and their opinion as to whether or not African American athletes are superior in certain sports (football, basketball, and track and field). Seven major themes emerged which are descriptive of the participants' (n = 301) perceptions, thoughts, and feelings concerning the debate of African American athleticism: "Black physical advantage, Black work ethic, Black cultural factors, race disregard, societal factors, Black limited opportunity, and unawareness/X factor." (Contains 1 table and 2 notes.)